Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on global defence and aerospace industry players to engage more closely with Malaysian manufacturers, underscoring the country's growing role in high-value global supply chains. He emphasized the strong culture of precision and accountability within Malaysian companies, which have earned their place in some of the world's most demanding commercial supply chains, including defence aerospace.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar addressed these points during the opening of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Exhibition (NATSEC) Asia 2026. The event, themed Empowering the Capability and Resilience of Technology Miners, is now in its 19th edition and is being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) until Thursday.

The Prime Minister highlighted Malaysia's policy of active non-alignment, which allows the country to maintain working relationships with all major partners. This policy enables Malaysian suppliers to integrate into global supply chains without geopolitical complications. Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, reiterated Malaysia's aim to build a defence industrial base where local companies earn and retain their positions based on performance and discipline.

He assured the government's commitment to ensuring a reliable business environment, highlighting the importance of intellectual property protection, enforcement of strategic trade controls, and the equal application of the law. Anwar encouraged open communication to address any issues in the process or enforcement that may create friction.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for responsible governance of rapidly advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and cyber capabilities. He noted that both governments and industry must play a role in this endeavor.

The event was attended by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026 serves as a platform to strengthen international cooperation through meetings, forums, and strategic dialogue sessions. The exhibition is open exclusively to government officials in defence and security, industry professionals and executives, military personnel, police, and guests.